Greetings and Salutations once more! It’s PN, back with a fresh edition of the Kissing Books newsletter. I hope that this Monday finds you refreshed and recharged after a weekend of reading. Also happy 75th anniversary Harlequin! Thanks for being a consistent presence in Romancelandia for that long. Check out some of the books they will be releasing this week below!
Angsty Romance Book Lover Keychain
This is a keychain that could be read one of two ways. Either you’re a lover of angsty romance books specifically or you’re angsty in general but still love romance novels as well. Either way, it’s a wonderful addition to any set of keys. $9
New Releases
Bloom Where You’re Planted by Darby Baham
Jennifer feels invisible, a feeling that is becoming more enhanced as friends in her life are moving on to the next stages in their lives. To help herself get out of this funk, she decides to start therapy. While her boyfriend Nick is supportive of her finding herself, he does worry that as she discovers more about herself, she’ll leave him and their relationship behind. Will these two be able to learn and grow together? Or is this the end of their journey?
Boyfriend Lessons by Sophia Singh Sasson
Eager to step away from the shadows into the light, wallflower Caitlyn enlists the help of her close friend Dev in what she calls “boyfriend lessons.” When it becomes clear the chemistry between them is far more developed than either thought, will they take a chance at a happily ever or will interfering parents block this happy match?
Be sure to subscribe to the News Books newsletter for even more new releases.
Riot Recommendations
Today’s recommendations is brought to you by the “Fake Dating” trope, which I discovered in the last year that I am a huge fan of. There’s something about the line between fake and real feelings blurring until neither party can deny it that just makes my heart sing.
First Comes Like by Alisha Rai
I loved meeting Jia in Wrong To Need You, so I was very happy to hear that she was going to get her own story. And I was very satisfied with this story over all. What’s not to love? A Bollywood star, a catfish scheme, and a seemingly compromising position being caught by the paparazzi? All that leads to a fake dating situation, a quick marriage, and then a wonderful stroll into a happily ever after.
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
I just finished this book and I legit let out a happy sigh at the last word. I loved everything about this book, from the family members, to the challenges of the reality show, and of course the relationship between the two titular characters. What I really appreciated is that there was no third act break-up here and the biggest challenge these women faced was their own self-doubts. But this was easily and healthily resolved and the steam factor was *chef’s kiss*.
Don’t forget you can get three free audiobooks at Audiobooks.com with a free trial!
Here is a list of fifteen books, some of them romances, that center around queer joy.
It’s still AAPI Heritage Month While you should read diversely all year, if you’re looking to make a concentrated effort this month, here are a few more books for your consideration.
It’s also Jewish Heritage Month and if you want to celebrate with some romances by Jewish authors, check out this list.
Here is another list of “Romance Books as Indian Couture” by the always wonderful Nick from The Infinite Limits of Love blog.
And that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back on Thursday and in the meantime you can catch up with me over on Twitter under @PScribe801. Until then!